Ethiopia ready to welcome tourists for upcoming festivals: Tourism Ministry

Addis Ababa, September 24, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia as always is ready to welcome tourists who will attend the various upcoming cultural and religious festivals celebrated in the country, Ministry of Tourism revealed.

State Minister of Tourism, Sileshi Girma told local news wire service ENA that massive preparations are underway aimed at creating an enabling environment for tourists who are going to visit Ethiopia to attend the cultural and religious festivals as well as the tourism sites of the country.

Ethiopia celebrates various cultural and spiritual festivals including the UNESCO prescribed ones starting from the month of September.

Meskel (Founding of True Cross), Irrecha (Thanks giving festival) and Timket (Epiphany) are among the major outdoor festivals celebrated in the country colorfully.

Every year, a lot of tourists from all corners of the world come to visit and attend these festivals.

Tourism State Minister Sileshi pointed out that Ethiopia is endowed with numerous tangible and intangible heritages and tourist attraction sites.

He continued, noting that many cutting-edge tourism infrastructures have been built in the country to tap the sector’s potential for the development of the economy, and that creating a conducive environment is therefore so crucial for tourists to extend their stay while attending the festivals and visiting heritage sites.

“September, November, and January see a lot of celebrations, like the Meskel and Irrecha festivals among others. These events are very beneficial to the development of tourism in the country and provide opportunity to build the nation’s image because many visitors come to enjoy them. In this regard, we will exert efforts to enhance visitor’s satisfaction so that they can stay longer in the country.”

The state minister stated that the ministry has been undergoing preparations aiming at the interests of tourists including holiday package services and facilities that cater to the needs of tourists and enhance their experience during their stay at the various destinations.

Moreover, tourism sector has become one of the five pillars of the overall economic reform of the country and it has gained momentum after the reform since the sector has immense potential in creating jobs and can greatly contribute to the economy of the country, he pointed out.

The government of Ethiopia has been expanding tourism destinations, he stressed, adding that   Koysha, Gorgora and Wonchi eco-tourism sites are amongst the new tourist destinations.

Apart from developing new tourism destinations in different parts of the country, the existing tourism sites have also been made safe and comfortable for visitors, Sileshi underscored.

The nation has planned to attract over one million foreign visitors during the current Ethiopian fiscal year, the state minister noted.